Note Kurgan you can still play El Alamein in the BF2 WW2 mod Forgotten Hope 2 but they're arent a lot of players (and it was part of the first now old release of N Africa Campaign maps) so it's especially difficult to find a good match on that map these days. Though there is a "coop" server where the enemy team is a shitload of bots and it's in the rotation there. AI is dumb as rocks though as you probably remember. Speaking of which, The Battle of The Bulge era and Eastern Front is about to come out, pretty stoked for that. It's a fantastic mod.

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Interesting, I never really got into BF2, felt too different than the DC mod. And got to love the old bots, but at least helicopters were porgramed into BF2. The DC mod added them into 1942 when they were never intended, and bots would gladly nose gun for you, but the instant you jumped out to repair it, they would leap int othe drive seat and take off. Granted they never made it far before flipping it up side down, backwards, and inside out as heli's were never intended in the game they didn't know how to fly them. Was really annoying.

But that does bring up a good story. One time me and Marineborn were playing that map with a ton of bots (on 1942 of course) and he was flying a chopper with a bot nose gunner. He landed at a flag I was at to repair his chopper (having forgot about the bots). So I'm standing there, he lands next to me and jumps out and the bot just takes off. Mind you I was in the same room as him at this time, so we just look at each other and know the end result here. But I'll be damned, some how this bot could fly, and damn well. I don't think he crashed the rest of the map, he was insane. And to this day no way to explain how that one bot could fly, because the rest were horrible.

Who knows if his facts are true, I highly doubt it for console numbers, for PC numbers, I would believe it. Either way, he's saying what a lot have been saying since as far back as CoD WaW. And I agree completely. Though I thought he was very biased, but then he explains his enjoyment of CoD, which I could never stoop to that level, so it is nice to see an unbiased opinion.

By the way anyone too lazy to click links, here you go, it's the above video.

Welcome to the first in a series of Battleblog posts taking you all the way to the launch of Battlefield 3 on October 25th! In this blog series, you’ll learn more about every aspect of our biggest shooter ever. First out is an overview of our multiplayer philosophy together with Lead Multiplayer Designer Lars Gustavsson.

When Lars Gustavsson received the mission to lead the design of the multiplayer portion of Battlefield 3, his thoughts went to the fans of the predecessor, 2005’s Battlefield 2. He also knew the time was ripe to open up the game to a wider audience.

Hi Lars! What was the initial design goal you and the team set for Battlefield 3 multiplayer?
-- We thought a lot about Battlefield 2 and how Battlefield 3 would relate to it. The mindset at DICE during the development of Battlefield 2 was pretty much: “Play the game our way, or play something else”. Now, we have made a conscious effort to reverse that mentality. The goal with Battlefield 3 is to offer a vast variety of gameplay experiences and to be inviting to everyone. We’re not telling you how to play the game. You choose.

How will that be apparent in Battlefield 3?
-- Part of it is in the variety of game modes and the types of environments you can play in -- from the wide open battlefields that people learned to love in Battlefield 2, to the urban gritty maps with their tighter gameplay focus. Combining these two elements and adding destruction and our social Battlelog hub in the same package is something I believe no one else is capable of – and that just makes it doubly entertaining for me to deliver on!

Where did the “play our way” mentality come from and how did the change come about?
-- I think it emanated from the pride in the unique game modes we created at DICE, like Conquest and Rush. We’re still super proud of them, but going into Battlefield 3 we had a frank discussion about our mindset. We discussed the strengths of Battlefield and ended up with a lot of interesting questions. Does teamplay have to be squad based, or can it be in a more general sense of playing together? Am I less of a gamer if I don’t want to play in squads? If I want Team Deathmatch? If I want infantry only gameplay? That discussion really was an eye-opener and has changed how we view ourselves and what we set out to do with Battlefield 3.

Battlefield 3 is going to be our best Battlefield yet. The Frostbite 2 game engine not only lets us build spectacular multiplayer maps – it also lets us populate those maps with wildly differing kinds of environments. The classic Battlefield multiplayer map would be an open type terrain, fit for tanks, helicopters, and other vehicles to take part in the action. Now, we will take the fight to dense urban environments as well, painting a stark contrast to the more open rural gameplay.

At E3 this year, we brought the Rush mode map Operation Métro for visitors to play hands-on. In many ways, this map illustrates our multiplayer design philosophy for Battlefield 3. Operation Métro starts out in a lush, rolling park outside of the Paris city center. As the attackers push forward and take out the two enemy installations, this is when a normal multiplayer mode in a normal game would end. In Battlefield 3, this is just the beginning of a much larger journey; a journey taking you through a number of distinct and varying environments, each tasking you to re-evaluate your combat tactics and loadouts on the go.

The subway is just one of several large and distinct environments in our Rush mode map Operation Métro.

The E3 Operation Métro briefing highlighting the distinct areas of the map. Click for larger picture.

From the opening park, you need to push underground through a dark, bombed-out metro tunnel section, and then up and out onto the downtown city streets for the final confrontation in front of the Paris stock exchange. This seamless transition in the map between contrasting areas is something that makes it feel like so much more than your typical walled-in multiplayer arena. For a sense of scale, each of the different areas in Operation Métro would be large enough to house a very good Team Deathmatch experience.

Speaking of which. We are bringing Team Deathmatch back to the multiplayer menu! It's been absent since Battlefield 1942, and to quote Lars Gustavsson, “It would almost be a criminal offense not to offer TDM to our fans, especially with the tactical destruction and realistic soldier movement that Frostbite 2 brings to the game”. Our efforts to let you play Battlefield 3 your way also means that you will have the option to play infantry only matches, for that up close and personal touch.

At DICE we have always been proud about our classic mainstay game modes Conquest and Rush. They embody much of what Battlefield stands for: vast scale and all-out vehicle warfare with an emphasis on teamplay. But focusing almost entirely on these modes have meant sacrificing the pick up and play instant action experience that a tight Team Deathmatch mode delivers.

Fans of the series can rest assured that both Conquest and Rush game modes are back, bolder and more beautiful than ever. Complementing these with Team Deathmatch means there are now even more ways to play Battlefield. From all-out vehicle warfare to tight infantry combat, it’s all about your current mood and your preferred play style. And this is far from everything we have waiting for you in the multiplayer component of Battlefield 3 -- we will return shortly to talk about more multiplayer modes and new features that change how you can play the game.

One final question for you, Lars: Battlefield 3 obviously has the broadest scope yet in the series. How are you balancing that with catering for the hardcore Battlefield 2 fans?
-- I take on the task humbly. I have the utmost respect for our Battlefield 2 fans, and I know that any feature I scrutinize in the game can be one of their darlings I’m messing with. Most of all, I’m excited we are finally returning to the core Battlefield series after a six year wait. I was Lead Designer on Battlefield 2 back then, and with Battlefield 3 I think we have the ability and the tools to create something truly amazing.

A member of our forums, Fliptaku, decided enough was enough, and headed straight for the hottest source of beta news – EA’s live customer support chat. It seems EA may have begun prepping their support system with new information ahead of a PR announcement. According to the likely-outsourced and possibly-misinformed representative, the beta will be delivered across EA’s Origin service to accounts with a registered MOH LE key, as many people have suspected or assumed, and access will be granted via an emailed product key. Unfortunately, he failed to say anything in specific terms about how LE owners will have their purchase validated, if the beta is indeed an open one.

Chatlogs follow, for those interested in such drab things as “evidence”.

Yeah I saw and posted that same thread earlier. Doesn't really tell me all that much other than how MOH LE owners who ere already promised are getting actual delivery and it's hardly news that delivery is Origins. Though in general it's nice to see a frontline EA rep have and freely share some good, concrete info like that.

There are a number of pre-order offers for Battlefield 3 available now or soon to be available. Some countries have already announced their offers, while others will follow. Your best bet is to check in regularly with your favourite retailer/digital download service.

By the beginning of August, you should be able to find all of these items where they are supposed to be available. Here is what they all are and how to get them.

BREAKDOWN OF PRE-ORDER INCENTIVES FOR BATTLEFIELD 3

Battlefield 3: Back to KarkandWhat it is: An entire themed expansion pack the size of Battlefield: Bad Company 2 Vietnam.Where to get: You will be eligible to download this expansion pack (once it is released) if you pre-order Battlefield 3: Limited Edition at any retailer all over the world.Available: Release date of Back to Karkand TBC. This expansion pack is not on the disc and is not available day one.Value: At no extra charge with every pre-order of Battlefield 3: Limited Edition. You will be able to buy it separately if you don't pre-order (date and price TBC).More info: In this blog post. More to come.

Physical Warfare PackWhat it is: A set of three time-based exclusive items and one early weapon unlock for Battlefield 3.Where to get: At select retailers all over the world when you pre-order Battlefield 3: Limited Edition.Available: Day 1 if you pre-order. If you do not pre-order, you will get access to this content at no extra charge at a later date.Value: At no extra charge with your pre-order at select retailers.More info: In this blog post.

SPECACT Kit UpgradeWhat it is: A set of 8 multiplayer skins, one for each class and side in Battlefield 3.Where to get: At select retailers all over the world when you pre-order Battlefield 3: Limited Edition.Available: Day 1.Value: At no extra charge with your pre-order at select retailers.

Dog Tag PackWhat it is: A set of 5 unique in-game dog tags to choose from. Dog tags in Battlefield 3 serve as your in-game signature, displayed on screen every time you defeat an enemy. You can also claim the dog tag of your enemies via skillful stealth knife takedowns. This pre-order exclusive pack gives you 5 unique dog tag designs to complement the standard range in the game.Where to get: At select retailers all over the world when you pre-order Battlefield 3: Limited Edition.Available: Day 1.Value: At no extra charge with your pre-order at select retailers.

Avatar Battlefield 3 GearWhat it is: Battlefield 3 gear for your Xbox 360 avatar.Where to get: At select retailers all over the world when you pre-order Battlefield 3: Limited Edition.Available: Day 1.Value: At no extra charge with your pre-order at select retailers.

Shotgun and Beret for Battlefield Play4FreeWhat it is: An 870S shotgun and a beret for in-game use in our play-for-free title Battlefield Play4Free.Where to get: By pre-ordering Battlefield 3: Limited Edition on Origin.Available: Day 1.Value: At no extra charge with your pre-order on Origin.More info: In this blog post.

There are a number of pre-order offers for Battlefield 3 available now or soon to be available. Some countries have already announced their offers, while others will follow. Your best bet is to check in regularly with your favourite retailer/digital download service.

By the beginning of August, you should be able to find all of these items where they are supposed to be available. Here is what they all are and how to get them.

BREAKDOWN OF PRE-ORDER INCENTIVES FOR BATTLEFIELD 3

Battlefield 3: Back to KarkandWhat it is: An entire themed expansion pack the size of Battlefield: Bad Company 2 Vietnam.Where to get: You will be eligible to download this expansion pack (once it is released) if you pre-order Battlefield 3: Limited Edition at any retailer all over the world.Available: Release date of Back to Karkand TBC. This expansion pack is not on the disc and is not available day one.Value: At no extra charge with every pre-order of Battlefield 3: Limited Edition. You will be able to buy it separately if you don't pre-order (date and price TBC).More info: In this blog post. More to come.

Physical Warfare PackWhat it is: A set of three time-based exclusive items and one early weapon unlock for Battlefield 3.Where to get: At select retailers all over the world when you pre-order Battlefield 3: Limited Edition.Available: Day 1 if you pre-order. If you do not pre-order, you will get access to this content at no extra charge at a later date.Value: At no extra charge with your pre-order at select retailers.More info: In this blog post.

SPECACT Kit UpgradeWhat it is: A set of 8 multiplayer skins, one for each class and side in Battlefield 3.Where to get: At select retailers all over the world when you pre-order Battlefield 3: Limited Edition.Available: Day 1.Value: At no extra charge with your pre-order at select retailers.

Dog Tag PackWhat it is: A set of 5 unique in-game dog tags to choose from. Dog tags in Battlefield 3 serve as your in-game signature, displayed on screen every time you defeat an enemy. You can also claim the dog tag of your enemies via skillful stealth knife takedowns. This pre-order exclusive pack gives you 5 unique dog tag designs to complement the standard range in the game.Where to get: At select retailers all over the world when you pre-order Battlefield 3: Limited Edition.Available: Day 1.Value: At no extra charge with your pre-order at select retailers.

Avatar Battlefield 3 GearWhat it is: Battlefield 3 gear for your Xbox 360 avatar.Where to get: At select retailers all over the world when you pre-order Battlefield 3: Limited Edition.Available: Day 1.Value: At no extra charge with your pre-order at select retailers.

Shotgun and Beret for Battlefield Play4FreeWhat it is: An 870S shotgun and a beret for in-game use in our play-for-free title Battlefield Play4Free.Where to get: By pre-ordering Battlefield 3: Limited Edition on Origin.Available: Day 1.Value: At no extra charge with your pre-order on Origin.More info: In this blog post.

There are a number of pre-order offers for Battlefield 3 available now or soon to be available. Some countries have already announced their offers, while others will follow. Your best bet is to check in regularly with your favourite retailer/digital download service.

By the beginning of August, you should be able to find all of these items where they are supposed to be available. Here is what they all are and how to get them.

BREAKDOWN OF PRE-ORDER INCENTIVES FOR BATTLEFIELD 3

Battlefield 3: Back to KarkandWhat it is: An entire themed expansion pack the size of Battlefield: Bad Company 2 Vietnam.Where to get: You will be eligible to download this expansion pack (once it is released) if you pre-order Battlefield 3: Limited Edition at any retailer all over the world.Available: Release date of Back to Karkand TBC. This expansion pack is not on the disc and is not available day one.Value: At no extra charge with every pre-order of Battlefield 3: Limited Edition. You will be able to buy it separately if you don't pre-order (date and price TBC).More info: In this blog post. More to come.

Physical Warfare PackWhat it is: A set of three time-based exclusive items and one early weapon unlock for Battlefield 3.Where to get: At select retailers all over the world when you pre-order Battlefield 3: Limited Edition.Available: Day 1 if you pre-order. If you do not pre-order, you will get access to this content at no extra charge at a later date.Value: At no extra charge with your pre-order at select retailers.More info: In this blog post.

SPECACT Kit UpgradeWhat it is: A set of 8 multiplayer skins, one for each class and side in Battlefield 3.Where to get: At select retailers all over the world when you pre-order Battlefield 3: Limited Edition.Available: Day 1.Value: At no extra charge with your pre-order at select retailers.

Dog Tag PackWhat it is: A set of 5 unique in-game dog tags to choose from. Dog tags in Battlefield 3 serve as your in-game signature, displayed on screen every time you defeat an enemy. You can also claim the dog tag of your enemies via skillful stealth knife takedowns. This pre-order exclusive pack gives you 5 unique dog tag designs to complement the standard range in the game.Where to get: At select retailers all over the world when you pre-order Battlefield 3: Limited Edition.Available: Day 1.Value: At no extra charge with your pre-order at select retailers.

Avatar Battlefield 3 GearWhat it is: Battlefield 3 gear for your Xbox 360 avatar.Where to get: At select retailers all over the world when you pre-order Battlefield 3: Limited Edition.Available: Day 1.Value: At no extra charge with your pre-order at select retailers.

Shotgun and Beret for Battlefield Play4FreeWhat it is: An 870S shotgun and a beret for in-game use in our play-for-free title Battlefield Play4Free.Where to get: By pre-ordering Battlefield 3: Limited Edition on Origin.Available: Day 1.Value: At no extra charge with your pre-order on Origin.More info: In this blog post.

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Argh, the only pre-order bonus we get in NZ(apart from strike at Karkand) is the beret and shotgun for BF play4free. Thats pathetic :shadedshu
Thanks for keeping us up to date Gully

Previously, the Physical Warfare Pack for Battlefield 3 was only available in the UK, but EA has announced that the Battlefield 3 Limited Edition: Physical Warfare Pack will now be coming to Australia and New Zealand too, with EB Games snagging an exclusivity deal for the special steelbook package with bonus DLC.

The Battlefield 3 Limited Edition: Physical Warfare Pack is available to pre-order exclusively from EB Games and bundles the Type 88 light machine gun with bipod for "deadly firepower and total zone control", the SKS sniper rifle flash suppressor for additional stealth abilities for the Recon class, and the lethal armour-piercing flechette ammo for the DAO-12 semi-automatic shotgun that will tear through almost anything in its way.

You'll also get day one access to the versatile DAO-12 semi-automatic shotgun itself, as well as the Limited Edition Battlefield 3 Back to Karkand map pack, which contains four fan favourite maps from Battlefield 2. Strike at Karkand, Gulf of Oman, Wake Island and Sharqi Peninsula are all revamped using the new Frostbite Engine 2.0.

You can pre-order the Battlefield 3 Limited Edition: Physical Warfare Pack from EB Games at no extra cost. Or you could pre-order from GAME in Australia and New Zealand and get the SPECACT Kit, which bundles a set of eight unique multiplayer skins. This is exclusively available with the Standard and Limited Editions of BF3 at GAME and JB Hi-Fi. GAME customers will also get five unique downloadable dog tags to further customise their soldier, while JB Hi-Fi punters will get exclusive Battlefield 3 military gear for their Xbox Live Avatar.

Battlefield 3 will be launching on October 27th in Australia and New Zealand. Check out images of the Physical Warfare Pack below.

It’s our pleasure to bring you the high res renders of the US Marines classes in Battlefield 3. The Engineer, Support, Recon and Assault. For those who you in love with the grass wookie from BF2/BC2, looks like you will be a ninja instead. You will notice it looks like the Recon class has either a Iphone, Ipod touch or Zune strapped to his arm. Great to see the amount of detail put toward each individual class. I think we are all waiting anxiously to play this game. Luckily there is only a short amount of time until the Open beta happens. For now, enjoy these images!

If you’d like to view the High res version, when the window opens, Right click and Save as or open in new tab!

Update: For those of you unsure of the validity, compare this ingame to render image.

One one hand, mods may hurt DLC sales. On the other, Söderlund did say "as of now". Besides, DICE didn't make mod tools (well, maybe except for BF2), just a way to enable them in game. It was the community doing all the work.
It's a stupid excuse, nevertheless.